Picture this: we’re standing in what feels like the longest grocery line ever. Suddenly, this guy bumps right into my pregnant wife and our cart. Can you imagine?
I was just about to lose my cool, but my wife had a plan up her sleeve that was truly something else. Let me give you a hint:
Karma was about to get interesting.
Growing up, I often heard my mother say, “What happens, happens.” Those words didn’t really sink in for me until later years. As a young boy, I found it difficult to let things go and put my faith in the concept of karma, especially when it seemed easier to handle situations myself.
Honestly, how often do you see justice served right before your eyes?
That perspective changed when I met Karol, the love of my life. She gave me the best front-row seat to witness the universe taking care of things its own way.
Let’s rewind to the beginning: I met Karol when I was still figuring out my life at 26. She quickly became the highlight of my day, every single day. I like to think her influence made me a calmer person.
Whether or not that’s true, she definitely changed my outlook on life.
The restless phase of my early adulthood transformed into something else; a fierce sense of protectiveness.
Our relationship wasn’t a whirlwind. We took our time as friends and partners, showing me a balance I hadn’t known possible. After three years together, I knew it was time to propose, and she said yes.
We had a simple yet beautiful wedding, celebrating with family and close friends as we embarked on this journey together.
Then came the wonderful news that Karol was pregnant. Being protective took on a whole new level. I constantly felt alert, preparing for any potential risks.
I remember my mom chuckling at my behavior, often reminding me, “What happens, happens.” Karol wasn’t even visibly pregnant yet, and there I was, cautioning her to rest and offering help constantly.
That doesn’t mean one couldn’t be prepared, though.
As her belly grew, my protective instincts grew too, until Karol herself had to call me out on it, “Josh! I can stand on my own!” she exclaimed one day.
Sure, she could, but imagine if she slipped or something happened? But one side-eye from her was enough to have me step back and focus instead on getting the nursery ready.
But there we were, months later, facing a truly challenging moment. The grocery store line was long, and Karol, now 7 months pregnant, was visibly uncomfortable, shifting as her feet began hurting.
And then, that guy appeared—brushing past with no regard, bumping Karol in the process.
“Move, I’ve got places to be!” he snapped, complete with all the attitude in the world. I could feel my patience wearing thin; months of calmness challenged in that instant. But Karol, ever the wise one, stopped me just in time, firmly whispering to trust her.
And so we watched as this self-important man checked out with a smug expression and headed toward the exit. As fate would have it, alarms sounded. Guards swiftly approached, escorting him away.
Karol’s laughter practically filled the store. My bemused expression only encouraged her. “How did you know?” I couldn’t help asking, caught up in the hilarity.
“Didn’t you see? As he was making a fuss, I slipped a security-tagged item into his pocket—just a cheeky parting gift,” she revealed, with her trademark wink and laughter.
My jaw must have dropped! The wife I married is full of surprises, it seems. But I laughed, sharing that joyful moment, thankful to be by her side.
The experience taught me that sometimes life happens with the help of karma. However, occasionally giving it that little extra nudge can make things so much more enjoyable.
